You go girl! Our paths are very similar indeed. Wishing you all the luck in the world x

Luke Oates hey, that's so great! Well done :) I hope you have a great experience there and the time will fly by! I just graduated yesterday and it only feels like 2 days ago that I got onto the course!

Luke, do you mind me asking how old you are?

how cool is that!!!!!

Hi, did you do an access course?

Ah that's so lovely to hear! Excited for you, it's a great course

Wow SImon!! That's incredible, so happy for you. What a go-getter. I can't wait to hear how you get on.

@@SarahNicholls Thanks Sarah...Will let you know. Thanks again for your inspiration. SJ

Simon.. thats brilliant! I'm on the same mission.. trying to find others who are applying to grad entry medicine later in life. Not so easy.. I can't find many who aren't 20s or early 30s (I'm 40). How have you found it?

@simonjones63 please make a video I’m sure most of the mature students would like to know about your journey.

@@simonjones63👌👌👌

Ah thank you so much 😊❤️

hassan nassar that's brilliant! I wish you lots of luck!

22kel92 thank you so much for watching and commenting! That’s so exciting about your applications, let us know how you get on :) and yes I will keep uploading! 😊

The MedicalPursuit thank you so much! Xx

Just curious did you end up switching to medicine?

Lucinda Palmer oh my goodness I have only just seen this comment, I’m so sorry for the delay!! Wow, we really do have a similar story. One of my best friends is called Lucinda as well 😊 so I’m dying to know.... did you ever book the trip to Australia?? Hope you are well and enjoying life! 😘

Hi Lucinda did you receive a place for GEM at Birmingham?

How did it go? X

Merlin thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful :)

I'm so glad!

TomMFAO I have only just seen this message but THANK YOU 🥰😘

Amy Denny thank you 😊

Stephanie Scott ah that’s so lovely! Small world ☺️

San yes I was extraordinarily lucky to get in on my first application, I honestly did not believe that would happen. I still can’t believe it sometimes!

Dr Sarah Nicholls You were clearly more than deserving :) I'm planning on sitting the gamsat myself in 2 months, but I've been feeling a bit lost with the science section. I understand it was quite a while ago when you sat it, but do you remember if you had a topics list which you revised from? There seems to be a lot of contradicting info out there :/

Sye wow that’s so fantastic! Nice to know there’s someone going the same route too. How did you find biomed at Sheffield?

It's been an amazing exp! Miss walking through firth court for labs and going to the union for lunch and just being in the city in general!

Thank you so much! I hope you're enjoying biomed and good luck with your med school applications. Yes I''m in F2 now and really enjoying it. I will definitely make more videos about work as a junior doctor. I've got some playlists of my videos if you want to check them out but I will keep adding to them! Thanks for watching and for getting in touch :)

Ffion James hello! Aww thank you for the kind words and I’m so pleased he video has motivated you! I made a couple of videos on interviews and personal statements that will hopefully help you: Interviews: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/layRl5erprPRmoU.html Personal statements: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rrCHraeBlpendI0.html Good luck to you! And would love to hear how you get on. Welcome to the fam 😘

Hello! If you have the grades to apply for med school I would encourage you to go straight for it. You'll have less student debt and you will learn everything you need to know at medical school. Biomedical science is a great course. I actually found it academically more challenging than medicine! If you want to take the longer route then go for it, I'm so glad for the experience I had, but don't limit yourself through fear. The world is your oyster! 😊 Best of luck x

Thanks for watching! Here is a video with my gamsat tips: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.html

Which alevels did you do to become a paramedic ?

Amber Mac hey there, sorry for my slow reply! I would say HCA experience is really valuable and taught me a lot about how to interact with patients and their families and what life is like on the wards, so if you can get that sort of work then absolutely go for it :)

Fingers crossed for you! Have you applied?

debster omg so much pressure 😱😂 but seriously, that’s so sweet, thank you!

Me too

Tristen Jourdan thank you!

Sorry for my slow reply! I found the CGP workbooks really useful for revising for A-levels. Just make sure to get the one that’s specific for your exam board. A great idea is to do as many practice exam questions as possible under timed conditions to get yourself used to the time pressure and the sort of questions you’ll be asked. Good luck to you!

At Alevel you need biology and chemistry alevel to apply for medicine, to study these alevels you need to have good science gcse results whether u are doing either double or triple. sooo it doesnt really matter what you pick as your optional gcses, maybe just concentrate a lot on your science gcses.

Hello, so sorry you're feeling anxious about it. I can totally see why you feel like that right now. I have a video about preparing for med school videos here that you might find useful: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/layRl5erprPRmoU.html

Yes, there were many people on the graduate entry course that I did who changed career paths completely. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it! Thanks for your lovely comment, good luck to you 😘

Hello! Thanks for watching :) Here is a video I made on the GAMSAT. I can't remember exactly what I scored in each section unfortunately but each year the required scores change. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.html xx

Good luck to you! I have a Gamsat video you can check out here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.html

reginaswhitecoat wow good luck with it! When do you start? America has some of the best medical schools in the world :)

I start at the end of july! very excited :)

reginaswhitecoat good luck!!

Sally hey Sally! Sorry for the slow reply. Congrats on graduating Biomedical Science, I bet you're so happy. I enjoyed the medical course. It was definitely tough but so worthwhile and enriching. I'll make some more videos about the course itself. I can't remember the exact cut off for the GAMSAT in the year I entered but I know it varies depending on whether you've got a 2.1 or 2.2. Good luck to you!!

Balram Shanker Trivedi nice to hear from you and thank you for watching! I didn’t sit the UKCAT actually, I only sat the GAMSAT because I thought there would be less competition for the courses that required it! (Don’t know whether that is actually the case or not...) I’m sure there are other youtubers or maybe other commenters on this thread who might be able to give you some tips 😊 good luck to you!

Dr Sarah Nicholls Well done on following your dream Sarah and congrats! How did you get on with the gamsat? I’m in the first stages of preparing for it and still can’t get my head around how best to prepare. Any tips? I’d love to get into Nottingham as well!

Renee hi Renee! Those are amazing GCSEs, massive well done to you!! You should be so proud of yourself. Yes medicine is competitive and difficult to get into, but with hard work it is do-able. Don't be put off by how competitive it is, the best things in life don't come easily! And if you don't get in first time round (a lot of people don't) there are always others ways around it- applying again, studying abroad, doing another degree first. Good luck to you!

Renee, dont worry about your GCSE grades, they are absolutely fine for the vast majority of medical schools. It is KEY, however, that you do well in your UKCAT/BMAT exams and get good predicted grades for A2! I know someone who recently went to Cambridge with 'only' 4A* at GCSE

Ordained Hypocrite hello! Thank you for watching and for your kind words :) there were quite a few people in my year who had children already and another few who had new babies whilst studying. I can't speak for them on how challenging they found it but they are all still pursuing medicine and haven't dropped out so hopefully that's reassuring for you! Maybe it would be helpful for you if I did a video where I asked them their experiences of it and the challenges they faced? Xx

Sarah Nicholls oh my goodness! You're amazing. That would definitely help calm my nerves and make me somewhat more decisive. Thank you so much!! When you do get around to making the video please ask them what tips they have for juggling med school with family life, ages of their kid(s), were they asked any specific questions during the interview regarding how they'd manage school and home life etc etc. I really appreciate your reply. Thank you so much Sarah. Wish you all the best with all your endeavours.🌹🌹

Ordained Hypocrite I’m finally over my fear of juggling motherhood and medical school. I think it’s all in your head, once you make that mental shift, there’s no stopping you. You’re the only one who’s in the way of making that decision. I’ve got four kids (youngest under 3) and I’m going to give it my all and see how far that takes me. Once you have the desire and you have a strong support network (partner, family etc) I’d say go for it! As Sarah said, what have you got to lose?

Michelle, id love to know how you're getting on? I'm in the same mind as you :)

How old are u if u dint mind me asking?

Tom Townsend hey Tom! Ah you're in for a treat, GEM at Nottingham is amazing. I will definitely make a video on it! I would say make an effort to get to know people in your year, they will be your lifeline when things get tough with studying all the time. Also making good notes and studying hard for your workshops will make your life easier when it comes to exams. Good luck for starting! Feel free to get in touch during the course if you have any questions etc x

Amy Thompson thanks for your comment, so sorry I’ve only just seen it! Age is definitely something I thought about a lot when I was applying but it barely crosses my mind now that I’m qualified. I hope you’re happy and enjoying life :) xx

In the meantime I have been reading books here and there as well as watching/reflecting on medical documentaries as a way to get some extra experience from home, in addition to what I already have.

Thank you so much for watching 🙌

Hello! That’s amazing, well done you! Psychology sounds so interesting and it will set you up well for a career in psychiatry. Are you planning on doing graduate entry medicine? X

Sanne Louters hello! Yeah Nottingham is an amazing city, there’s loads going on and it’s great for shopping 😁 the uni is cool, there’s a beautiful campus and good facilities

Ahh what a small world! I LOVED Sheffield 🫶 it felt like home as soon as I arrived. The people are all so lovely.

Dani Worth hello! Ah it’s nice to know that other people have been through what you’re experiencing, I remember at the time I felt like I was the only one in my boat and then I joined GEM and realised there were so many other people like me. To be honest it doesn’t matter too much what you decide to study at undergrad in terms of choosing between science based courses. Have you had any more thoughts on it since your comment (I realise it was 4 months ago.... so sorry!!)

Ayat Aljawad thanks for the lovely comment 😊 I was very fortunate with my GAMSAT and managed to get through it the first time. I made a video about GAMSAT prep if you’d like to see: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.html

Angela Manuel I’m so sorry this is probably too late for you but I made a video about medical interviews not too long ago. I hope you’re enjoying life and that year 13 is going well for you!!

jasmin virdee hey Jasmin, thanks for watching my video and I hope your masters is going well. That's a really interesting question, and actually it's something I think about on a daily basis. I also think that it is true for most doctors (and all healthcare professionals!) When I was training to become a healthcare assistant about 5 years ago, one of the trainers told us to care for every patient "as though they were your own mother and as though your boss was watching your every move" and that has stuck with me ever since, through my work as a healthcare assistant; as a medical student and now as a doctor. Medicine is a caring profession. We enter the role because we like people, we are empathetic and we want to help others. Most of us have had experience of hospitals from the other side when ourselves, our friends or relatives have been unwell and so we are acutely aware of how scary hospital treatment can be. None of us go into the job with any intention of doing harm. The truth is that the majority of the work we do is beneficial to people. However, there are always risks involved in treatment, whether it be something relatively minor like prescribing statins to help lower cholesterol or something huge like performing a coronary bypass. In medicine we are taught to weight up the benefits vs the risks and only take action when the benefits outweighs the potential harm, and only when the patient is fully informed of this and understands the possible outcomes. It's important to remember that yes, things can go wrong and we can cause harm, but on the whole, medical professionals are a force of good in the world! We have years of training behind us to prepare us for performing difficult tasks and making decisions under pressure. If you've made it this far through my answer then well done!! ... I think what I'm trying to say is that your concern is a very real one that plagues doctors across the world, so if you pursue a career in medicine, be sure in the knowledge that every single doctor has that worry on a regular basis, and rightly so.

jagga saleem hi there, the best thing to do would be to have a look at the websites of the universities you're thinking of applying to. Have a look at the entry requirements and maybe give their admissions department to discuss it. For all medicine courses you will need to apply through UCAS. Good luck!!

Evy Ju wow wow wow! That’s just so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your story 😃 a lot of hard work and dedication. Where are you from? Do you know where you’ll be working in the UK? It’s hard work but I believe that’s true of every doctor across the world. I’m really enjoying work 😊

Dr Sarah Nicholls I am planning to take a gap year and find non clinical part time job:) I am applicable for F2 only but I need an IELTS score to get in. I want to work in Kings Mill hospital. I always dreamed about it! I am very happy to see that your path to becoming a practicing clinician wasn’t straightforward- you traveled, you worked, you experience life outside the “medical realm”! In my country everyone is very conservative and people judge you if you’re not working or having a family. It’s like if you have only two options. It makes me so angry:( Now I am taking 3 months of just to travel because I was so burnt out after I graduated in July. This is my first summer off in a decade. Traveling and resting is so important. As it is becoming a doctor. But taking “stops” on your road is very important. Because if you’re tired and unwell after so many years of hard studying you can’t fully commit to practice medicine with patients every day:)

Evy Ju I totally agree about taking breaks! I love that you’re breaking the norm from your country and forging your own path. Go you! I have done some placements in medical school at Kings Mill hospital (the one in Mansfield, is that the same one you mean?) and have some friends who have worked there as doctors :)

Dr Sarah Nicholls yes the same one:) Ill be living in Mansfield:) I am going back an fourth to UK since I was in 2nd year of uni because my second half lives there:) Every time I passed the Kings Mill I just felt that One day I’ll be working there:)

Shereen thanks for watching! I made this video about the GAMSAT here, I hope it’s helpful: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.html

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! xxx

Anjana S hello! For the GAMSAT I used online a-level revision material for the sciences. My biology was up to scratch because of my degree but I needed refreshing on chemistry and physics. I also paid for the GAMSAT practice papers online and I did them under timed conditions. I'd really recommend doing that to see what sort of speed you work at. For the personal statement, my main advice would be to keep it structured and relevant. Here's a really good article that highlights the main subsections you should cover: www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/personal-statement/ Best of luck!

could you do a video on what revision tools you used? and how the interview process was like? thank you :)

Anjana S absolutely! Xx

ehdyu1 hello! Thanks for your lovely comment. Good luck with all your studies, your nursing course will set you up so well. I studied for a few months for the GAMSAT (sorry to not be more specific but it was a really long time ago now and I can’t remember the specifics!) I made this video, which you might find helpful: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.html

Dr Sarah Nicholls I will check it out! Thanks so much Sarah, all the best ❤️

Dewanshi I am not sure what year you're in but I'd say try to get the most out of your uni experience. Join clubs, do extra curricular activities, make friends and have fun! Studying hard and getting work experience for GEM are obviously important too, but remember to enjoy your time in your first degree! Enjoy :)

Christian Cox hello! Thanks so much for the kind words, I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos. Oh my gosh you’re a nurse already?! You’ll make an amazing doctor! The GAMSAT is horrible (not gonna lie) but definitely achievable. I made a video on it, so hopefully you’ll find this useful: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.html Good luck! Would love to hear how you get on. Keep us updated 😊

Dr Sarah Nicholls thanks very much. I’ll check those out. Yes, it’s an amazing job but too limited and medicine gives me the freedom and extended practice that I crave. Thank you for your kind words

Christian Cox yeah I can imagine. Well you know you can already cope with the rigours of hospital life etc so I bet you’ll breeze through med school and your foundation years. Plus you’ll be able to work bank shifts through med school if you need some cash 😋 hats off to you, you’re clearly really driven!!

Kai Newton hey there! Thanks so much for watching :) so yes, when you graduate from med school you do get paid for F1 and F2 and it then goes up as you do you specialty training. Here are the current payscales: www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/pay/juniors-pay-england Doctors who work in London will receive slightly more. And generally you earn a bit more than the quoted figures because of overtime. In terms of what I'd like to specialise in... I have always loved the idea of being a GP as I love to chat to people. I also really enjoyed my anaesthetics placement, so that is another top chalice. GP is not very competitive as they are under-resourced and crying out for new trainees. Anaesthetics is fairly competitive. I am going to make a video about the GEM interview some time soon so keep watching!

Sarah Nicholls thank you much for replying! Is the earliest you can apply for gem at the end of second year/beginning of third year? Good luck in your specialist training!

Yes it's is definitely possible 😊

Kyle hey there, I’m so sorry I seem to have missed some notifications a few months back and haven’t replied to lots of comments. How are you getting on now?

RilindTV hello! Yes agh I found that so frustrating, it seems like a catch 22 doesn't it?! I didn't have any caring experience but I had babysitting experience from when I was a teenager and also some voluntary work where I went to sit with an elderly lady once a week in her own home. It wasn't a caring role, I literally just chatted with her. I used those as examples and after loooooads of failed applications I finally got one job offer! I would suggest applying to as many as you can- NHS jobs, care homes, agency work etc. Good luck! Xx

Andrea Coro' it really depends on which university you want to go to as they have different entry test requirements. I would recommend looking at which universities you're interested in, seeing what their entry requirements are and contacting them directly about converting your grades to UK equivalent ones. Whether you sit the UKCAT or GAMSAT will depend on what the university requires. Hope that helps! X

Hridhya hello! I go into it in this video but I plan to make more videos about finding and money in the future. I hope this helps: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fp90kq5n0ZiXZYU.html 😊

Thank you so much. You have helped me a lot.

livinlife 01 hey, thanks for watching (twice! 😄) sorry to hear you’re disappointed with your mock results. I know it’s hard to get results you aren’t happy with but just remember they are mocks. Maybe you could ask your teachers for advice on how you can bring your grades up, consider getting a tutor if it’s within your budget or buying some study textbooks. KZfaq is also a great resource for study material. If you work hard you might really surprise yourself with your grades. I got a U in my first maths AS module (no that’s not a typo... I really did get a U grade!) and now I’m a doctor and that exam and the countless other ones I have been disappointed in have only worked out to be minor setbacks. Work hard, designate relaxing time and time with your friends and family into your schedule and aim high. Good luck to you!

thank you so much that makes me feel much better

Here you go! Best of luck to you: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/breYes9707XZdXk.htmlsi=In1M2a5hOL-Sbfox